Contact: Ally Salvaria, Communications Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (818) 726-6151
For Immediate Release
L.A. Unified Board Approves Board Member Nick Melvoin’s Resolution Celebrating Pride Month by Affirming Support for LGBTQ+ Community
LOS ANGELES, CA — June 17, 2025 — The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to recognize Pride Month across school communities and reinforces the District’s dedication to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff. Board Member Nick Melvoin authored the resolution, with all other Board Members signing on as co-sponsors.
"Pride Month is not just a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, but a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to ensure every member of our school communities feels safe and supported to live their truth and express their identity," said Melvoin. “At a moment when some lawmakers are weaponizing public policy to sow hate and discrimination, it makes it all the more important for us to speak out against acts of hate and violence by embracing love and inclusion.”
“At Los Angeles Unified, our strength lies in our diversity, and our unwavering commitment is to ensure every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho. “We must remain united in standing against hate and violence and continue advancing inclusion, respect, and unity. Every student deserves the opportunity to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—and it’s up to all of us to create the conditions that make that possible.”
“This month, as we should every month, LAUSD will live up to its high standards, to make sure that all LGBTQ+ students and staff feel safe, heard, and respected. And we commit to do this proudly when it matters most: when our students are facing mental health challenges,” said Board President Scott M. Schmerelson.
“Standing with our LGBTQ+ students, families, and staff is not just about recognition, it’s about resilience, justice, and affirming their right to thrive in every classroom, every space, every day,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “While more must be done to protect and uplift LGBTQ+ communities, this resolution demonstrates commitment to continue doing the transformational work within the curriculum and creating a more inclusive school environment.’’
“Creating safe and inclusive schools, where for LGBTQ+ students feel safe, supported, and affirmed is beneficial to the entire school community and results in improved behavioral, academic, and mental health outcomes for all students,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“Happy Pride Month! Standing with our LGBTQ+ community means taking action—by removing barriers, implementing inclusive curriculum, increasing supports, and centering student voices—so every young person can feel safe, seen, and valued in our schools,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“I was proud to bring a resolution three years ago to invest in and expand our Community School model, and I’m glad to see that work continue,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “Our Community Schools have provided essential support to uplift our students and families, and it is critical that these supports continue in future years.”
"I'm honored to celebrate PRIDE this month with our school communities, where we support our LGBTQ+ students by encouraging them to amplify their voices and fearlessly chase their dreams,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “My pride runs deep for our extraordinary staff who lead with heartfelt compassion in everything they do. And I couldn't be prouder of our families and friends who demonstrate daily that love always prevails, ensuring every scholar in LA Unified feels safe, heard, and valued."
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For press inquiries, please call Ally Salvaria at 818-726-6151 or email at [email protected].